Surge in Hate Speech During 2024 Elections Alarms Human Rights Advocates in India

The India Hate Lab's report reveals that hate speech incidents soared to 1,165 instances in 2024, largely associated with political rallies and events organized by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Critics accuse the party and its leaders of fostering a hostile environment, particularly against Muslims.

Instances of hate speech against minorities in India have surged by 74% during the national elections of 2024, according to a new report from the Washington-based India Hate Lab. The report, which was released on Monday, documented 1,165 incidents that occurred last year, with a significant majority—98.5%—targeted at Muslims. The report identifies Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah as among those frequently engaged in propagating hate speech.

Most of these incidents occurred in states governed by Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP has long faced accusations of systematically marginalizing minority communities, primarily Muslims. In a response to the report, party officials have dismissed claims of Islamophobia, emphasizing India’s robust legal framework designed to uphold peace and non-violence. A spokesperson for the party branded the report as part of an "anti-India reports industry" driven by ulterior motives.

The report highlights that May 2024 witnessed the highest number of hate speech incidents, with 269 cases documented during that month alone. Aside from Muslims, Christians have also been targeted, although to a lesser degree. Human rights advocates underline the increase in discrimination against minorities since the BJP came to power in 2014.

The report notes that hate speech often surfaces during political rallies, religious processions, and cultural events. In 2024, 79.9% of hate speech instances were reported in states directly governed by the BJP. Notably, states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh reported nearly half of all incidents. The report underscored an alarming trend of violent rhetoric, including calls for violence, economic boycotts of Muslim businesses, and property destruction targeted at Muslim populations.

As these developments unfold, the implications for social cohesion and minority rights in India remain serious and worrisome, raising calls for increased accountability and protection for vulnerable communities.